Make sure the skin around the wound is also clean and dry. It's not always necessary to use the full length of the strips – you can cut them to a more appropriate length. Leave about 3mm between each strip.

How to apply them

To apply skin-closure strips:

carefully line up the edges of the wound

push them together and, starting at the middle of the wound, apply the strips to hold the edges together

place half of the strip on one side of the wound, gently bring the other side of the wound towards it, and then pass the strip over

place strips alternately above and below the first strip – this helps to match up the edges and keeps the skin tension equal

to anchor the rows of strips in place, put two strips vertically across the rows – one on each side of the wound

A protective dressing is not usually necessary. The strips are waterproof, so you should be able to take a shower 24 hours after applying them, but try to keep the wound and strips as dry as possible.

If the wound does not stop bleeding once the strips have been applied, this is a sign that butterfly stitches are not suitable. You should go to a minor injuries unit because another method of treating the wound may be required.

If you do not have ready access to a minor injuries unit, walk-in centre or similar out-of-hours service, visit your nearest A&E department.

Instructions to remove the strips vary by type and location of the wound. Check the patient information leaflet that comes in the packet.

If the wound becomes swollen, red or more painful then it may have become infected. Seek advice from your GP surgery, or from staff at your local walk-in centre or minor injuries unit.